Slider applicator



Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER 3,115,544

SLIDER APPLICATOR Filed Nov. 28, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet l ATTOPNEYS 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 28, 1960 BY MMRMvW Amp/yeys Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER 3,116,544

SLIDER APPLICATOR Filed Nov. 28, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 V IN V EN TOR.

lhgqrllfiowa v g BY Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER 3,116,544

SLIDER APPLICATOR Filed Nov. 28, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER SLIDER APPLICATOR 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 28, 1960 Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER SLIDER APPLICATOR 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Nov. 28, 1960 I N V EN TOR. #491 M Have- BY BLAMJIWIMLM 18...

Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER 3,116,544

SLIDER APPLICATOR.

Filed Nov. 28, 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Q IN V EN TOR.

Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER 3,115,544

SLIDER APPLICATOR Filed Nov. 28, 1960 Tij.22.

9 Sheets-Sheet 8 34a INVENTOR.

ATTOQ/YEYS Jan. 7, 1964 H. M. FISHER 3,116,544

SLIDER APPLICATOR Filed Nov. 28. 1960 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVETOR. W 4/56/16? 3,116,544 Ice Patented Jan. 7, 1964 i 2 3 116 544 FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the drive mech- SLID J anism for the web.

Harry M. Fisher, 157-36 22nd Ave., Whitestone, N.Y. Filed Nov. 28, 1960, Ser. No. 72,012 8 Claims. (Cl. 29-208) This invention relates to an improved machine for automatically applying sliders to zippers.

In accordance with commercial practice, zippers are first produced by making a web consisting of two tapes in side by side relationship and having interlocking scoops on the adjacent edges thereof. A scoop cutting machine is employed to cut away the scoops at successive spaced intervals to form slits in the web. A bottom stop is then applied to one end of each length of scoops between successive slits.

One object of this invention is to provide a machine which then automatically applies sliders to the web after it has been slit and after the bottom stops have been applied thereto.

Another object of this invention is to provide a machine of the above-described type having improved feed means for supplying sliders to the apparatus for inserting the sliders on the web.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved means responsive to the movement of the web for actuating the slider applying mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved sensitive, mechanically operated clutch for control of the slider applying mechanism.

Another object of this invention is to provide a slider applying mechanism in the form of a flexible, reciprocal push rod, together with cooperating means which act 'upon the slider and web to insure that the slider will be properly applied to the web.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description, in conjunction with the annexed drawing, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing primarily the drive means for the operating parts of the invention.

FIG. 1A is a fragmentary perspective view of the slider applying mechanism, the parts being positioned corresponding to the instant in a cycle of operation when the clutch is about to be actuated to start the actual application of a slider to the web.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top plan view of the slider applying mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary section on line 3- 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, showing the slider as it is applied to the web.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 2, but corresponding to the condition of the operating parts shown in FIGT t.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary section on line 66 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary section on line 7-7 of FIG. 5

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary section on line 88 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly broken away, of the parts shown in FIG. 4, of the machine, showing a detail of the mechanism for guiding the slider onto the web.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view similar to FIGS. 1 and 4, but showing the parts of the slider applying mechanism after the slider has been applied to the web.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view similar to FIG. 10, showing a detail of a drag member for retarding the movement of the slider relative to the movement of the web.

FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of a gripper employed in the drive mechanism of FIG. 11a.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the onerevolution clutch assembly which is part of the control mechanism for the slider applying mechanism. The clutch is shown in disengaged position.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the clutch of FIG. 13, taken along the axis of rotation of the clutch.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary elevational view of the clutch mechanism, as taken in the direction of line 15--15 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary sectional view on line 16-1=6 of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a view similar to view 13, showing the clutch in engaged condition.

'FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 14, but with the parts in the position of FIG. 17a.

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary section on line 1919 of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic elevational view of the one-revolution clutch mechanism, in conjunction with a clamping mechanism for the web.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the hopper in accordance With this invention, the hopper being shown partly broken away.

FIG. 22 is a section on line 2222 of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a section on line 2323 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary perspective view of the slider track of the hopper, viewed from the opposite direction as in FIG. 21.

'FIGS. 25-33, inclusive, are diagrammatic side elevational views of the slider applying mechanism, showing successive stages of the operation thereof.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Upon reference to the drawings in detail, it will be noted that the views thereof show a machine for applying sliders 40 to a web 10. Said web 10 consists of a pair of tapes 11 and 12 extending longitudinally in side by side relationship. Said tapes 11 and 12 respectively have beads 11a and 12a on the proximate longitudinal edges thereof. Scoops 13 are mounted on said beads 11a and 12a in the usual way and in the usual interlocked relationship. At selected intervals, the scoops have been cut away in the usual way to provide slits 15 between successive lengths of web to which the scoops 13 remain applied. At the front or leading end of each slit 15, a bottom stop 14 has been applied to the interlocked scoops 13, in the usual manner.

Slider "40 is conventional and comprises upper plate 41 and lower plate 42, connected at the front thereof and maintained in general parallel relationship by transverse yoke 43b. Plate 41 has downwardly extending side flanges 41a. Plate 42 has upwardly extending side flanges 42a. The flanges 41a and 42a on each side of the slider oppose each other and are spaced from each other. Said plates 41 and 42 are shaped to provide outwardly extending slider wings 40a and 4011, with the respective flanges 41a and 42a terminating at the front of said wings 40a and 40b. Said wings 40a and 40b are located intermediate the front and rear end of slider 40'.

Slider 40 has a rear longitudinally extending throat portion 43 between plate 41 and 42, and this throat 43 meets at its front end with throat portions 43a which divenge outwardly from throat '43 in the areas of wings 40a and 40b and extend to the edges of the slider on either side of yoke 43b.

A bar-like operating handle or tab 44 is fastened to upper plate 41 by means of lateral pivots 44a which extend through a lateral opening in a loop or ear 45 formed on the top of plate 41 near the front thereof. Tab 44 is movable about the axis of said pivots 44a.

The propulsion mechanism for web is located atthe front of the machine and is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 11. Said propulsion mechanism includes an upper sprocket chain 90 mounted on front and rear sprocket wheels 91 and 92 which are turnable about lateral axes, and a lower chain 93 which is mounted on front and rear sprockets 94 and 95 which are turnable about lateral axes. The two chains 90 and 93 respectively have longitudinally and horizontally extending opposing and proximate runs 90a and 93a. Said chains 90 and 93 respectively carry grippers 96.

Said gripper 96 has a vertical leg which is mounted on the sprocket by means of sprocket pins 99a extended through leg openings 99, and has a laterally extending foot 97 which is rounded and which has a central longitudinal through groove 97a. These feet are oriented so that the foot on chain 90 bears against the top of the web and the foot on chain 93 bears against the bottom of the web while they are in their respective runs 90a and 93a.

Web 10 is carried between the opposing horizontal runs 900 and 93a and is gripped by the feet 97. A suitable drive means (not shown) for the sprockets may be provided so as to carry the horizontal runs 90a and 93a longitudinally forwardly, and hence convey web 10 forwardly in the direction of arrow 98.

The slider applying mechanism 59 is located rearwardly of the web propulsion mechanism. Slider applying mechanism 59 includes a pusher 50 operated by cam 52 and other parts and adapted to feed a slider 40 between a pair of blocks 20 located forwardly of cam 52. Blocks 20 serve as a longitudinally extending guide for slider 40. Web 10 is carried forwardly between a pair of clamps 80 and 81 located below cam 52 and hence through blocks 20 and toward the propulsion mechanism. Actuating lever 60 of one-way clutch mechanism 61 is located below blocks 20 and bears against web 10 and is adapted to extend through slit 15. When lever 60 extends through slit and strikes the trailing end thereof, it actuates the one-revolution clutch mechanism 61, which in turn controls the action of the clamps 80 and 81 to retard the movement of web 10, and also actuates the pusher 50 to propel a slider 40 onto the web 10. Gate 70 is located forwardly of blocks and is adapted to bear against web 10 so as to check temporarily the movement of slider 40 after movement of web 10 resumes, so as to position slider 40 longitudinally properly on web 10.

Slider 40 is supplied from hopper 31, by means of bar 133, to position for movement of the slider by pusher 50 onto web 10.

THE SLIDER FEED Hopper 31 and track 30 are shown in detail in FIGS. 21-24 inclusive.

Hopper 31 is in the form of a cylindrical, laterally extending drum having an outer end wall 310 and which may be loaded by any suitable means (not shown). Said hopper 31 has four equally circumferentially extending vanes extending radially inwardly of the outer periphery thereof and designated by the reference numeral 32. Said cylindrical drum 31 rests at its bottom on a pair of longitudinally spaced, laterally extending rollers 33 and 34 which are made of rubber or the like. These are mounted on any suitable shafts, turnably supported by any suitable means. Roller 34 is mounted on shaft 34a, which is the output shaft of motor 35, said motor 35 being the driving means causing rotation of roller 34 and hence of the drum, with roller 33 serving as an idler roller. Arrow 31a designates the direction of turning of the drum 31.

Lateral shaft 36 extends turnably through an opening 31b in the outer end wall of drum 31, and is co-axial with drum 31. Shaft 36 is the output shaft of motor 37 and is driven at a constant rate of speed, in the direction of arrow 36a. Sleeve 38 on shaft 36 extends through opening 31]) and into the interior space of drum 31. Sleeve 38 is fixably attached by bracket 39 to any suitable frame (not shown), and shaft 36 is turnable within the bore of sleeve 38.

The inner end portion of sleeve 38, within hopper 31, is cut away so as to provide a fiat surface which is downwardly rearwardly inclined. Plate 131 is fixed to the upper end of surface 130 and extends above said face and is substantially co-planar therewith. The ends 132 of plate 131 are bent so as to extend rearwardly thereof and define a trough.

The inner end portion of sleeve 38, within hopper 31, is cut away so as to provide a downwardly rearwardly inclined surface having a fiat upper portion 130a, a fiat intermediate portion 130 and a flat lower portion 129. Surface 130 is forwardly offset with respect to surface 129. Surface 130a is forwardly offset with respect to surface 130. Plate 131 is fixed to surface 130a and extends above sleeve 38. The front face of plate 131 is downwardly rearwardly inclined and is co-planar with surface 130. Plate 131 has side flanges which extend longitudinally rearwardly thereof.

Bar 133 is fixed to surface 129, by means of screws 128, and extends above surface 129 in spaced parallel opposition to surface 130. The upper edge of bar 133 is spaced below plate 131. The upper portion of bar 133, designated by the reference numeral 134, is of reduced thickness to define a shoulder 135 extending rearwardly from the reduced portion 134.

Sliders 40 fall off one or another of the vanes 32 and some of them fall from vane 32, in the direction of arrow 32a, onto the rear inclined surface of plate 131 and from this tend to fall onto the bar 133. Some sliders 40 become oriented so that their two plates 41 and 42 become located respectively against the front and rear surface of bar portion 134, above shoulder 135, with yoke 43 resting upon the upper edge of bar portion 134. In the correct position, as above-described, the tongue or handle 44 rests against the lower portion of bar 133.

The inner portion 38a of the bore of sleeve 38 is of enlarged diameter so as to be spaced from shaft 36. Bore portion 38a is laterally co-extensive with surfaces 130a, 130 and 129. Spiral wire 135a is wound upon shaft 36, within bore portion 33a, in the form of a helix having its pitch disposed as shown in FIG. 23. Shaft 36 and wire 135a extend inwardly beyond the inner end of sleeve 38. Surface 130 is tangential to shaft 36, so that a portion of wire 135a is exposed through surface 130. The clearance between wire 135a and the inner peripheral wall of sleeve 38 is insufficient to accommodate a wall 41 or 42 of slider 40, so that slider 40 becomes located between successive turns of Wire 1350. Accordingly, the rotation of shaft 36 causes the various sliders to be moved inwardly laterally by said wire 135a, in the direction of arrow 137.

In some instances, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the slider may become reversely oriented so that its wall 41 is located against the front base of bar portion 134, and its wall 42 against the outer face of bar portion 134. In that case, the tongue or handle 44 lies over the top of bar portion 134, as illustratively shown in FIG. 21.

Lever 138 is located on the front side of bar 133 and is connected thereto, intermediate its ends, by means of longitudinal pivot 139. Spring 140, connected between bar 133 and lever 138 laterally outwardly of pivot 139, urges the outer end of lever 138 downwardly. Lever 138 is spaced from bar 133, sufficiently so that the wall 42 of a slider 40 properly oriented upon bar 133 extends clearingly between lever 138 and bar 133, as shown in FIG. 24. However, in the case of an improperly oriented slider, its ear 45 rides upon the top edge of lever 138.

Frusto conical out spout 145 is fixed, at its end of largest diameter, to the inner end of hopper 31 and exrtends inwardly thereof. Spout .145 keeps sliders from being thrown out of the hopper and serves to permit additional sliders to be supplied to the hopper. Shaft -36 extends into the outer end of spout 145. Shaft 36, has an extension 36b of reduced diameter which extends through and slightly beyond the inner end of spout 145. Bar 133 extends through spout 145 and beyond the inner end of shaft extension 36b. Radial pin 141 is fixed to shaft extension 36b at the inner end of spout 145. Optionally, pin 141 may be shifted outwardly.

Once per revolution of shaft 36, pin '141 sharply strikes the upper edge of lever 138, inwardly of pivot 139, so as to cause movement of the outer end of lever 138 in the upward direction of arrow 142. This causes the disoriented slider 40 to be raised from bar 133 sufficiently so that it is thrown clear thereof.

Accordingly, from the foregoing, it will be apparent that a succession of laterally aligned and properly oriented sliders are fed inwardly on the inclined bar 133.

The extreme inner end or bar portion 134, as shown in FIG. 2, is provided with a stop 159 on the rear face thereof, against which the innermost slider 40* abuts, in position to be fed to web 10. Near the inner end of plate 133, the thickened portion has a longitudinal slot 151 for reception of the flexible pusher rod 50. Plate 152 is fixed to the rear face of bar 138 by means of screws 153, overlies slot 151 and retains the flexible pusher bar 50 in that slot. The handle or tab 44 extends sufficiently rearwardly of the slider main body so as to extend over the top of plate 152 and hence be clear of bar 50.

The web passes longitudinally adjacent the front face of bar 133, and is axially aligned with the axis of slot 151 and the axis of bar 50.

DRIVE MEANS FOR SLIDER APPLY- ING MECHANISM The sliders being automatically supplied to position for application to the web, drive means are provided, including one-revolution clutch 61 which is actuated by the movement of the Web itself, for the slider applying mechanism. The one-revolution clutch and drive means for the slider applying mechanism are shown in detail in FIG. 1 and in FIGS. 13-20; inclusive.

Lateral shaft 62 is turnably extended through a bore of frame plate 63, the bearings for the ends of shaft 62 being omitted.

Pulley 64 is turnably mounted on shaft 62 outwardly of and adjacent to frame member 63. Pulley 64 is coupled by belt 161 to pulley 161a on output shaft 16112 of motor 1610, so that pulley 64 turns continuously. Shaft 62 ordinarily does not turn, but is coupled by one-revolution clutch 61 to pulley 64. Pulley 64a on shaft 62 drives pulley 6411 on lateral shaft 53, by means of belt 640. Shaft 53 is the drive shaft for pusher 50, gate 70 and web clamps 80 and 81.

Shaft 62 has an elongated groove 62a in the periphery thereof. An elongated bar 65 extends laterally slidably in groove 62a and also extends radially outwardly thereof and extends slidably through and turnably through the bore of frame member 63 through which shaft 62 extends, this opening being shaped to permit turning movement of pin 65 and shaft 62. Spring 66 is positioned within groove 62a and extends in the direction of length thereof between the inner end of the groove and the inner end of bar 65, so as to urge pin 65 outwardly. Bar 65 has an inner, radially outwardly extending head 65a. In the inner position of the elongated bar 65, it clears pulley 64. In the outer position of bar 65, it enters one of a plurality of recesses 64a in the inner face of pulley 64.

Wedge 67 is fixed to the inner face of frame member 63. This wedge 67 has a relatively thick base and a trailing knifelike portion having a surface 67a which is inclined from the inner end of the wedge 67 to the frame member '63, in the manner shown in FIG. 15.

In the starting position of clutch 61, shown in FIGS. 13-16, inclusive, the thick portion of wedge 67 is located between head 65a and frame 63, forcing rod 65 inwardly so that it is clear of slots 64a. In this position, the clutch is disengaged.

Collar 68 is fixably mounted on shaft 62. Elongated lever 60 is connected to the inner face of collar 68 by means of eccentric lateral pivot 68a. Said elongated lever 60 is urged in the direction of its length, in the direction of arrow 66a, by means of spring 69 connected between lever 60 and frame member 160. The free convex upper or rear end of elongated lever 60, designated by the reference numeral 60b, bears against the lower faces of the scoops 13 of web 10. When elongated lever 60 becomes aligned with slit 15, it enters same, as shown in FIG. 17, causing a slight movement of collar 58 in the direction of arrow 68b. This causes head 65a to move clearingly ahead of wedge 67, as shown in FIG. 17, and also FIG. 19, and this permits movement of rod 65 into a slot 62a. This causes engagement of the clutch, and shaft 62 turns in unison with pulley 64.

During the revolution of shaft 62, there is slight further advancement of elongated lever 60 through slit 15, and then withdrawal of elongated lever 60 from slit 15 as the result of the movement of collar 68. At the end of the revolution of shaft 62, the head 65 rides on the inclined cam surface 67a and returns to its starting position against the thickened portion of the wedge, thereby withdrawing pin 65 from slot 64a. This disengages the clutch after one revolution. As will be explained further below, dur ing this one revolution of the clutch, the slider is applied to the web and the web is advanced so that as the lever 60 returns to its initial position, it is again blocked by scoops 13.

THE SLIDE MOUNTING MECHANISM Shaft 53, which is controlled by one-revolution clutch 61, has fixedly mounted thereon cam 52. Cam 52 is located behind bar 133 and generally is cylindrical with a cut away peripheral portion 52a which opposes movable clamp 81. Web .10 passes between clamp 81 and lower fixed clamp 84) under cam 52. While cam 52 is revolving, its main cylindrical portion rides against clamp 81 and depresses it so as to clamp web 10 between clamps and 8-1 and prevent web 10 from moving while slider 4% is applied to it. Shortly before the revolution of cam 52 ends, cam portion 52a clcaringly opposes clamp 81, which rises out of clamping position, as by the action of a spring (not shown).

Pusher 50 is made of stiff but flexible material, such as hard rubber, and has a rear boss or enlargement 151 with a lateral bore through which pin 51 extends, pin 51 being fixed in axially offset position to an end face of cam 52. Pusher 50 is forwardly downwardly inclined. Pusher 50 is first pushed forwardly (FIG. 4) and then returned to its initial rearward position (FIG. 2) once per revolution of cam 52. Spring 152 is connected between pusher 50 and frame member 153 and urges pusher 50 downwardly.

Tapes 22 pass under blocks 20 adjacent the lower faces thereof and are held against them by the plates 22 which are supported by the frame by any suitable means. Said blocks 20 are supported at their remote rear corners by respective vertical pivots 21. Spring 22a connects the two blocks near the front and at the top and urges the fronts thereof toward each other. Control lever 60 is adapted to extend upwardly between the blocks 20 adjacent the rear thereof.

Said blocks 2% have a cut out or notch 29a in their respective lower proximate edges extending the full length thereof to accommodate the respective tape beads 11a.

Vertical grippers 23, are fixed to the bottoms of the respective blocks 20 near the proximate edges thereof and near the front thereof, and grip the respective tapes 11 and 12. The remote side gripper faces 23c extend longitudinally and are also inclined so as to define a bottom edge of each gripper which extends longitudinally. Hence, grippers 23 do not impede longitudinal movement of tapes 11 and 12. When the front ends of the blocks 20 are swung outwardly in the direction of arrow 2 each gripper 23 correspondingly moves in the direction of 23a and carries the tape outwardly.

Said blocks 20 have slots 25 in the respective proximate faces thereof. Each said slot 25 extends to the rear face of block 20 and is there located intermediate the top and bottom faces of block 20. Said slot 25 is of uniform height. The remote vertical walls 25a of slots 25 are inclined toward each other in the forward direction and terminate at the respective proximate faces of blocks 29, rearwardly of their front faces, so that slots 25, provide forwardly converging throats. In addition, slot 25 is forwardly downwardly inclined so that at its termination it extends to the bottom face of block 20.

When bar 60 extends through a slit 15, clutch 61 is actuated. However. meanwhile, the momentum of the zipper carries it to a point at which bar 65 abuts the rear end of slit 15, stopping the web. Clamps 80 and 81 then clamp the web, and bar 60 withdraws, from slit 15. The forwardly moving pusher 56 is positioned so that it then enters the space between plate 152 and bar 133 (bending approximately), in longitudinal alignment with inner slider 4-0. Pusher 5t) pushes slider 4% into and through throats 25. Slider 4t) forces blocks 20 away from each other (arrow 24). The vertical grippers 23 moving in the corresponding directions of arrows 23a carry the tapes and beads outwardly. As shown in FIG. 9, the beads 11a and 12a become respectively located between the jaws of the slider, with slider web 43b between the beads. FIG. shows the slider after the push has been completed and with the slider beyond the blocks 20. These now move back in the direction of arrows 24a, and the pusher is shown moving back in the direction of arrow 50b. The pins 23 carry the fabric inwardly to locate the beads further between the sides of the jaws of the slider.

It is to be noted that pins or grippers 23 spread the tapes to a distance apart greater than the width of web 43b at the point of discharge of web 43b from throats or channels 25. The level of slider 40 at the point of discharge of web 43b is such that the plane of blank or web 10 is intermediate flanges 41a and 42a. Accordingly, since slit is tapered forwardly of the point of discharge of web 43b, upon continued forward movement of slider 40, heads 11a and 12a must be located between the slider jaws, with web 4312 spreading the beads apart slightly. The return movement of blocks causes the beads to be carried still further between the slider jaws.

Gate 70 is supported by guide 71 forwardly of blocks 20. Gate 70 is in the form of a vertically and laterally extending plate which is vertically slidable in guide 71. Gate 70 is coupled to cam 150 on shaft 53 by any suitable means, such as the diagrammatically shown flexible cable assembly 700.

During the revolution of cam 150, gate 70 is maintained in lowered position in which it frictionally abuts web 10 while slider 40 is being mounted on web 10 forwardly of blocks 20. In this position of gate 70, slider 40 abuts the rear of gate 70 and cannot advance during initial resumed forward movement of web 10 (following release of clamp 81). Accordingly, web 10 moves forwardly relative to slider 40 until slider 40 is received on the scoops behind slit 15. During the remainder of the cycle, cam 150 raises gate 70, clearing slider 40, and slider 40 advances with web 10.

In the movement of the slider between the blocks 20, the tape beads are caught between the wings 40a and 40b and in the diverging throat portions 43a. After the slider advances forwardly of the blocks and they are returned to their normal position, it is possible that the tapes may not properly enter the rear portion of the throat between the t) flanges 41a and 42a. However, the forward movement of the web relative to the slider causes the slider to be adjacent the rear portion of the slit, at which point the tapes are pulled together by the succeeding scoops and hence are forced into the throat portion 43.

SUMMARY OF OPERATION The diagrammatic views, FIGS. 2533, show the sequence of operation of the machine.

As web 1t advances, elongated lever 60 rides against its lower face (FIG. 33), clamps 30 and 31 being disengaged, pusher 50 being in its rearward position and gate '70 being elevated.

Elongated lever 60 enters slit 15 actuating clutch 61. The momentum of web it) carries it forwardly for engagement of elongated lever 6 against the rear end of slit 15, thereby locating web 10 positively in its desired index positions. Clamp is moved to clamping position, the parts now being in the condition of FIG. 25.

Elongated lever 60 is then withdrawn from slit 15 (FIG. 26).

Pusher 50 then moves forwardly until slider 40 is mounted on web 10 (FIG. 27).

Pusher 50 then begins to move rearwardly (FIG. 28).

Pusher 5t} returns to its rearward position as gate 70 is lowered (FIG. 29).

Clamp S0 is raised (FIG. 30).

Web It moves forwardly again, but slider 44) is blocked by gate 79 (FIG. 31). Elongated lever 60 is clear of web it Slider 49 is now received by the scoops rearwardly of slit 15 (FIG. 32).

Gate 74) is raised, and slider 40 and web 15 move forward in unison with elongated lever 60 now frictionally abutting the scoops of web 10 (FIG. 33).

From the foregoing, it will be seen that I have provided a fully automatic machine having friction drive means for moving the slitted web forwardly and a finger which enters a slit and stops the web, thereby actuating a one-revolution clutch which actuates mechanism for clamping the web, withdrawing the finger from the slit, applying a slider to the web, blocking forward movement of the slider, unclamping the web so that it can advance again and finally permitting forward movement of the slider. The machine also has improved simple means for automatically feeding sliders to position for their application to the web. The machine is simple to operate and can be operated at high speed.

While I have disclosed a preferred embodiment of the invention and have indicated various changes, omissions and additions which can be made therein, it will be apparent that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made in the invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

I claim:

1. Machine for applying sliders to a zipper blank at scoop interruption intervals thereof, said machine comprising a longitudinally extending guide for said sliders having a rear entrance and a front exit, means for indexing said blank longitudinally forwardly to position scoop interruption intervals successively opposite said front exit, means for positioning a slider behind said entrance in position for longitudinal movement through said entrance, a rotary lateral shaft behind said entrance, a collar fixedly mounted on said shaft, a flexible, elongated pusher bar, a lateral pivot coupling one end of said pusher to said collar at a point offset from said shaft, said pusher bar extending forwardly downwardly from its pivot in longitudinal alignment with said guide, the front of said pusher being located behind said slider in one turned position of said shaft, a support for the front of said pusher, spring means urging said pusher downwardly intermediate its ends, and means for rotating said shaft, said pusher being adapted to be moved forwardly along said support and into said guide and to push said slider through said guide 9 and out of said front exit, said guide means being positioned and adapted to eject said slider in said scoop interruption interval with the tapes of said blank between the slider jaw-s.

2. Machine for applying sliders to a zipper blank, said zipper blank comprising elongated side-by-side tapes and scoops, said tapes having scoop intervals wherein said tapes respectively have said scoops secured thereto with the scoops of one tape interlocking with the scoops of the other tape, said tapes also having scoop interruption intervals in which they are free of scoops, said machine comprising friction means for drawing said blank longitudinally forwardly, an elongated lever, means mounting said elongated lever transversely movably opposite said blank, spring means urging one end of said elongated lever against said blank, the path of travel of said blank being such as to locate said elongated lever against said scoops and then for said elongated lever to enter a scoop interruption interval, and means responsive to the movement of said elongated lever into said scoop interruption interval for sequentially clamping said blank against movement thereof, retracting said elongated lever from said scoop interruption interval, applying said slider to said tapes in said scoop interruption interval and unclamping said blank.

3. Machine for applying sliders to a zipper blank, said zipper blank comprising elongated side-'by-side tapes and scoops, said tapes having scoop intervals wherein said tapes respectively have said scoops secured thereto with the scoops of one tape interlocking with the scoops of the other tape, said tapes also having scoop interruption intervals in which they are free of scoops, said machine comprising friction means for drawing said blank longitudinally forwardly, a rotary lateral shaft, a drive pulley turnably mounted on said shaft, means for coupling said shaft to said pulley, means including cam means uncoupling said shaft and said pulley in one turned position of said shaft, a collar on said shaft, an elongated lever, means pivotally mounting said elongated lever on a face of said collar at a point offset from the axis of said shaft for causing oscillatory movement of said elongated lever by rotation of said shaft, said elongated lever opposing and being adapted to abut said blank, spring means urging one end of said elongated lever against said blank, the path of travel of said blank being such as to locate said elongated lever against said scoops with said shaft and said pulley then uncoupled and then for said elongated lever to enter a scoop interruption interval, said shaft being thereby turned sufficiently to be coupled to said pulley, the momentum of said blank being sufficient for engagement of said elongated lever against the trailing end of said scoop interruption interval to stop said blank, means coupled to said shaft for clamping said blank against movement during at least the first part of a revolution of said shaft, said elongated lever being adapted to be held withdrawn from said scoop interruption interval during the shaft revolution, and further means coupled to said shaft for applying said slider to said tapes in said scoop interruption interval while said blank is clamped.

4. Machine according to claim 3, said blank clamping means being adapted to release said blank after said slider is applied thereto and before the end of the shaft revolution, said machine also comprising a gate positioned in front of said slider applying means and movable transversely between a first position adjacent a face of said blank and a second position spaced therefrom, said gate being positioned longitudinally forwardly of said slider when it is first applied to said blank, and means mounting said gate in its first position during the first part of the resumed movement of said blank after release of said clamping means, said gate being then positioned to be struck by and retard the slider relative to said blank until said slider is in a scoop interruption interval, and maintaining said gate in its second position during the 10 remainder of the revolution of said shaft, said gate being then positioned to be cleared by the slider.

5. Machine for applying sliders to a zipper blank, said zipper blank comprising elongated side-by-side tapes and scoops, said tapes having scoop intervals wherein said tapes respectively have said scoops secured thereto with the scoops of one tape interlocking with the scoops of the other tape, said tapes also having scoop interruption intervals in which they are free of scoops, said machine comprising means for indexing said blank in successive longitudinal movements so as to locate said scoop interruption means successively at a fixed location, means for applying a slider to said blank in the tape interruption interval at said fixed location while said blank is stationary, a gate positioned in front of said slider applying means and movable transversely between a first position adjacent a face of said blank and a second position spaced therefrom, said gate being positioned longitudinally forwardly of said slider when it is first applied to said blank, and means maintaining said gate in its first position during the first part of the indexing movement, said gate being then positioned to be struck by and retard the slider relative to said blank until said slider is in a scoop interruption interval, and maintaining said gate in its second position during the remainder of said indexing movement, said gate being then positioned to be cleared by the slider.

6. Machine for applying sliders to a zipper blank, said zipper blank comprising elongated side-by-side tapes and scoops, said tapes having scoop intervals wherein said tapes respectively have said scoops secured thereto with the scoops of one tape interlocking with the scoops of the other tape, said tapes also having scoop interruption intervals in which they are free of scoops; said machine comprising a pair of blocks in side-by-side relationship, on either side of a longitudinal axis, said blocks having rear transverse pivots, spring means biasing the fronts of said blocks toward each other, said blocks having proximate side faces formed with forwardly downwardly extending, converging channels adapted to receive the sides of said slider, means for pushing a slider forwardly through said channels, the width of said slider being greater than the normal spacing of the side walls of said channels [forwardly of said pivots so that said blocks are spread by said slider, grippers on the bottoms of said blocks, means for positioning said blank in longitudinal extension and in alignment with said axis under said blocks with said blocks overlying a scoop interruption interval and with said grippers respectively friction-ally abutting said tapes, said grippers being adapted to spread said tapes when said blocks are spread, said channels being positioned for discharge of said slider into the resulting widened scoop interruption interval on the level of said scoops for reception of said scoops between the jaws of said slider.

7. Machine for applying sliders to a zipper blank at a scoop interruption interval thereof, comprising means for indexing said blank longitudinally forwardly to position scoop interruption intervals successively at a fixed station, a forwardly upwardly inclined, laterally elongated bar at the rear of said station, one end of said bar overlying said blank, hopper means for mounting sliders on said bar with the slider jaws slidably abutting its respective front and rear faces and the slider web slidably resting on the top of said bar, means for sliding said sliders successively into longitudinal alignment with said blank, slider guide means at said station in front of said bar and longitudinally aligned with said blank, means behind said bar for pushing the slider longitudinally aligned with said blank off said bar and through said guide means, said guide means being positioned and adapted to eject said slider in said scoop interruption interval with the tapes of the blank between the slider jaws.

8. Machine according to claim 7, said guide means comprising a pair of side-by-side blocks vertically pivoted at the remote rear corners thereof, spring means urging the fronts of said blocks together, guide channels in the proximate sides of said blocks which converge forwardly and are forwardly downwardly inclined and exit at the front in said scoop interruption interval, and grippers on the bottom of said blocks frictionally engaging the blank tapes, said blocks being adapted to receive said slider in said channels and to be spread thereby to spread said tapes and enlarge said scoop interruption interval and to discharge said slider with its web between said tapes and with said tapes between the slider jaws.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Aris Oct. 25, Nedal June 23, Rojahn Oct. 14, Schmied Oct. 20, Morin Mar. 31, 

1. MACHINE FOR APPLYING SLIDERS TO A ZIPPER BLANK AT SCOOP INTERRUPTION INTERVALS THEREOF, SAID MACHINE COMPRISING A LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING GUIDE FOR SAID SLIDERS HAVING A REAR ENTRANCE AND A FRONT EXIT, MEANS FOR INDEXING SAID BLANK LOGITUDINALLY FORWARDLY TO POSITION SCOOP INTERRUPTION INTERVALS SUCCESSIVELY OPPOSITE SAID FRONT EXIT, MEANS FOR POSITIONING A SLIDER BEHIND SAID ENTRANCE IN POSITION FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMEMENT THROUGH SAID ENTRANCE, A ROTARY LATERAL SHAFT BEHIND SAID ENTRANCE, A COLLAR FIXEDLY MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT, A FLEXIBLE, ENLONGATED PUSHER BAR, A LATERAL PIVOT COUPLING ONE END OF SAID PUSHER TO SAID COLLAR AT A POINT OFFSET FROM SAID SHAFT, SAID PUSHER BAR EXTENDING FORWARDLY DOWNWARDLY FROM ITS PIVOT IN LONGITUDINAL ALIGNMENT WITH SAID GUIDE, THE FRONT OF SAID PUSHER BEING LOCATED BEHIND SAID SLIDER IN ONE TURNED POSITION OF SAID SHAFT, A SUPPORT FOR THE FRONT OF SAID PUSHER, A SPRING MEANS URGING SAID PUSHER DOWNWARDLY INTERMEDIATE IS ENDS, AND MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SHAFT, SAID PUSHER BEING ADAPTED TO BE MOVED FORWARDLY ALONG SAID SUPPORT AND INTO SAID GUIDE AND TO PUSH SAID SLIDER THROUGH SAID GUIDE AND OUT OF SAID FRONT EXIT, SAID GUIDE MEANS BEING POSITIONED AND ADAPTED TO EJECT SAID SLIDER IN SAID SCOOP INTERRUPTION INTERVAL WITH THE TAPES OF SAID BLANK BETWEEN THE SLIDER JAWS. 